In November, we “fall back” as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end and we set our clocks back an hour. Though this change is often thought to be less detrimental to sleep, it still interrupts circadian rhythms, or our internal clock, that follow a daily cycle of sleep and wake times.

“The best way to deal with any circadian rhythm interruption is to start moving your sleep schedule prior to the event,” Dr. Carter explains. “For a one-hour time change, start moving your bedtime by 15 minutes starting four days before. To prepare to ‘fall back,’ you could begin your bedtime forward by 15 minutes each night starting four nights before the time change.” Easing into the change in time will feel more natural to your body than the stark change of an hour.

Effects on the body

Lack of sleep, or frequently interrupted sleep, contributes to lack of focus, increased mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and short-term memory loss. Dr. Carter shares that time changes also contribute to a higher number of vehicle collisions and cardiovascular distress. Make sure you’re taking care of your body and getting adequate rest to stay safe and healthy.

Start sleeping better

If you struggle with the smaller steps toward an earlier snooze, Dr. Carter also offers these tips for a healthier sleep:

· Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine

· Avoid large meals before bedtime, and don’t eat anything too spicy or fatty. If you’re accustomed to a before-bed snack, Dr. Carter suggests choosing a small carbohydrate with a bit of protein, such as a banana with peanut butter.

· Exercising during the day, at the same time every day, will help drive you into sleep faster at night.

· Dim the lights as your approach bedtime. Stay away from electronics and turn off all but the lights necessary for safety. “As we expose ourselves to light during the day, we’re suppressing melatonin, which helps signal to the circadian rhythm that it’s time for bed,” says Dr. Carter. If you’re set in your ways of watching TV before bed, Dr. Carter suggests trying to sit farther away and turning on the night mode setting on smartphones and computer.

If you’re struggling with sleep and would like to speak to a physician, call 1-855-400-SLEEP (7533) or visit us online at ketteringhealth.org/sleep